Is it harder to get diagnosed if I'm in remission?

[Ferri1c]

Hi I'm not diagnosed with anything.  I was having all those symptoms from mid December up until a week ago.  My GP wanted me to start doing cardio again and see if my tingles and burning sensations got better.  He wanted me to do this and I'm supposed to see him this Thursday.  Based on what I say he will refer me to a neurologist finally.  Here's the thing my symptoms have gotten a lot better( not sure if it was the exercising or just an attack going into remission).  My question is should I lye to my GP just so I can go to a neuro or should I tell him the truth that I feel much better?  Also if I do go to a neuro feeling much better can they still find evidence of MS or am I just going to look like an idiot or hypochondriac?  Thanks in advance.  By the way my doc told me to start exercising because I put on close to 20lbs of fat from over eating and not exercising for a couple months.  Thanks again!

[Sumanadevii]

CALL!!!  That is my vote!

[Ferri1c]

First off thanks for the kind wishes.  So my GP once again said " I'm not worried anything is wrong, I want you to keep exercising and see if anything changes". However he did give me a card of a neurologist that I can call if symptoms get worse or are still present in a month.

So now I can go straight to a neuro:)

The question is, do I wait the month my GP said to wait, or do I just call the neuro tomorrow?  I will keep my journey updated when new events occur.  Thanks everyone!!!

[Sumanadevii]

Thinking of you during this time, Ferric.  Hopefully your PCP is listening and you come out with a referral to a good neuro.  Keep us posted.  

If not, this board will have more ideas to help you!!!!

[sllowe]

Good luck in there Ferric - take some deep breaths. Getting nervous makes all issues worse. Let us know how you make out.

-shell

[Ferri1c]

Thanks everyone for the feedback.  I'm sitting in the waiting room of my GP now.  I didn't try the hot tub experiment I decided to pass.  I'm getting nervous right now, I'm not sure why.  Now sure enough I'm getting tingles on my face again and legs:(.  Oh well hopefully he will refer me to a neuro.  I need a peace of mind!!!! I'll let u know what he says.

[Lulu54]

Yes, you do need to be honest with the docs if you are going to have a good relationship with them.

Not that you were thinking this, but neuros are well trained in figuring out who is throwing their test results.  It is near impossible to fool the doctors during a complete neurological exam.  Your GP may not be that sharp, but the neuros are specifically taught to spot the fakers.

JJ is right about the hot bath - Julie (sarahsmom) kearned this lesson the hard way and it took a kind stranger tro haul her out of the whirlpool.

good luck,
Lulu

[supermum_ms]

I agree with both bob and paula,  i believe in being up front and honest about what is and has happened, the relapse is very relivant but so is the remitt part.

Warning!! If you suspect MS DO NOT attempt the hot bath test. One of our members went into a tragic relapse after having fun in a hot tub (i think), it took years to get back on her feet, literally. The majoriety of times, it is only a temperary setback, but in some cases it can be perminent and not really worth the risk.

cheers.........JJ

[figuerpa]

I wouldn't mention anything about MS to your neuro or PCP. They also look at you funny if you use any big words, just a word of caution. They like to feel like they know it all, sometimes you do have to push them a little but hopefully the neuro you see will be a good one who wants to listen. They don't want you to tell them what you may have because then they think you are just looking for a dx.

I also agree with Bob that it is better you are not having symptoms right now so that when you do have the symptoms it will be very noticable.

Good luck and keep us informed
Paula

[COBOB]

'd say it is just the opposite.  You want your GP and Neuro to see you in remission, so when you get hit with an attack it is so obvious it smacks them up side the head.  I really believe is it less about the "end points" and more about the "change".

People here have talked about taking a hot bath before see the neuro.  That is one of thise things to make them see he difference.

Bob

[Ferri1c]

Ok thanks... I'll tell my GP I'm feeling better but I still want to see a neuro.... I heard not to even mention a concern of MS to the neuro when I see one.  Is this true? Should I just act like I have no idea what can cause my symptons so I'm taken serious?  I'm not complaining my symptons are much better I'm happy, but now I'm worried I'll pass all the exams and give the neuro  a reason to rule out MS just because it's in remission.  Thanks!

[figuerpa]

Ferri1c,

I think you should tell your doctor that you are feeling better but would still like a referral to see a neuro so that you can get to the bottom of what is going on with you.

Once you have talked with a neuro and explain everything that is going on, you and the nuero can discuss a plan for tests. They can still see lesions if therer are any present, but remember a lot of lesions go undected.

There are also other tests they will run, MS is a process of elimination so keep that in mind while you are going through the process. It can take years to be diagnosed, on your journey you will more than likely get frustration and discouraged, but in the end it may be something that is not MS. There are alot of MS mimics out there and they can only dx MS after everything else has been eliminated.

I wish you the best and hope you keep us informed of wha is going on.

Paula